Artist:
N.C. Wyeth
(American, 1882 - 1945)
The Road to Vidalia
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1912
Dimensions:
47 × 37 in. (119.4 × 94 cm)
The Phyllis and Jamie Wyeth Collection
Accession number: SUPP2000.22
Research Number: NCW: 22
InscribedLower right: N. C. WYETH (underlined)
Provenance[?]; Union Club of Boston, Boston, MA, by 1965
Exhibition HistoryHarrisburg, PA, 1965, no. 39; Rockland, ME, 1966, no. 16; Chadds Ford, PA, 1971, no. 67, illus. b/w p. 54; Chadds Ford, PA, 1972, no. 115; Greenville, SC, 1974, no. 98; Chadds Ford, PA, 1976(2); Chadds Ford, PA, 1987(2), no. 20, illus. in color p. 97; Rockland, ME, 2000, illus. in color, fig. 13; Chadds Ford, PA, Brandywine River Museum, "Romance in Conflict, N. C. Wyeth's Civil War Paintings," Jan. 22-March 20, 2011
References
Douglas Allen and Douglas Allen, Jr., N. C. Wyeth, The Collected Paintings, Illustrations and Murals (New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1972), p. 208, illus. b/w p. 122; Christine B. Podmaniczky, N. C. Wyeth, A Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings (London: Scala, 2008), I.373, p. 240-241
Curatorial RemarksLetters make it clear that Wyeth was painting this image and "The Bloody Angle" in September 1912.
The following letter written in August, 1911, suggests that Wyeth must have used Miller's "Photographic History of the Civil War," published in 1911, as a reference for both pictures. "Chadds Ford, Pa. / (to) Review of Reviews Co., New York City / Dear Sirs / It is far beyond any of my words to tell you what the "Photographic History of the Civil War" means to me.To be drawn so intimately in touch with those stirring days is like realizing an extravagant dream! - The impression made upon me is deep and profound and I feel highly grateful for the revelation. I don't know how to thank you! Furthermore, being an illustrator, the books are invaluable as a source of information. / Yours sincerely, / N. C. Wyeth." The ten volumes are catalogued in the artist's studio library (NCWS.95.94).
The following letter written in August, 1911, suggests that Wyeth must have used Miller's "Photographic History of the Civil War," published in 1911, as a reference for both pictures. "Chadds Ford, Pa. / (to) Review of Reviews Co., New York City / Dear Sirs / It is far beyond any of my words to tell you what the "Photographic History of the Civil War" means to me.To be drawn so intimately in touch with those stirring days is like realizing an extravagant dream! - The impression made upon me is deep and profound and I feel highly grateful for the revelation. I don't know how to thank you! Furthermore, being an illustrator, the books are invaluable as a source of information. / Yours sincerely, / N. C. Wyeth." The ten volumes are catalogued in the artist's studio library (NCWS.95.94).
Image Source for printed Catalogue Raisonne:Transparency directly from painting
Photo Credit:Rick Echelmeyer, 3/2000